Human Relations Commission making strides in police/community relations

In contrast to last month's Human Relations Commission meeting, where members and attendees heatedly debated landlord and leasing issues, Monday's meeting took a more relaxed tone. Commission Chairman Sam Goldman said things were "starting to move" in regards to the commission's goals of improving police and community relations, as a $5,000 grant was recently made available.

The grant will go toward initiating open conversation in the community, specifically in regards to possible racial profiling. The commission was created in 2001 after city police sprayed mace on more than 80 black SIUC students at a block party. Additionally, the possibility of reinstating an "Adopt a School" program, which would place plain-clothed police officers in local schools as a way to familiarize students with law enforcement, was addressed. Carbondale Police

Chief Steve Odum said the program was discontinued roughly five years ago because of budgetary constraints. Commissioner Sharry Henk proposed the idea because she said the program had a positive effect on students. "Students were able to see an officer and realize that they are human just like them," Henk said. "The officers really became role models, and I think that is important."

Additionally, Goldman said Mayor Brad Cole mentioned the possibility of voting on the commission's proposed housing resolution during a March City Council meeting. The proposed resolution, which caused a stir at last month's meeting, would require landlords to include zoning information and all fees or charges that may be assessed in addition to monthly rent on all leases. Commissioner Tequia Hicks, who is also the Undergraduate Student Government president, said USG passed a similar resolution last month.

"A lot of discussion came out of this proposal, and we wanted to make sure that we as students demonstrated support for it," Hicks said. "When you talk about leasing issues, you are predominately dealing with students, and I think this is a positive way to address some of the problems student renters face."